Former New Mexico Judge and Wife Arrested for Alleged Evidence Tampering in Immigration Case
Former New Mexico Magistrate Judge Joel Cano and his wife, Nancy Cano, have been arrested on federal charges of evidence tampering and conspiracy. Authorities allege that the couple assisted Cristhian Ortega-Lopez, a tenant suspected of being linked to the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua and facing illegal firearm possession charges, in destroying a cellphone believed to contain incriminating evidence. Joel Cano admitted to smashing the device with a hammer, believing its contents could be damaging. The Canos had previously allowed Ortega-Lopez and two other men to stay in their studio apartment, claiming they were asylum seekers processed by Immigration and Customs Enforcement. However, federal authorities have found social media evidence connecting Ortega-Lopez to the gang. Following these allegations, Joel Cano resigned from his judicial position, and the New Mexico Supreme Court barred him from serving as a judge in the state. This case underscores the escalating tensions between federal immigration enforcement and local authorities, highlighting the complexities of federal-state relations in law enforcement. (apnews.com)
Former New Mexico Judge and Wife Arrested in Immigration Evidence Tampering Case:
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